U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran “has no cards” and accused it of using international waterways as leverage, as Vice President JD Vance traveled to Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the world by using international waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate.”
The remarks come amid concerns over disruption to a key maritime route through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply typically passes, affecting global energy markets.
The impact has been reflected in economic indicators in the United States, where consumer prices rose 3.3% in March compared with a year earlier, according to data released by the Labor Department. The increase was driven in part by a sharp rise in fuel costs, with gasoline prices recording their largest monthly jump in decades.
Vice President Vance’s visit to Islamabad is part of diplomatic efforts to engage with stakeholders and explore possibilities for a longer-term resolution.
